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Waiting for Santa to visit is a test of patience for any child, and it appears to be one that Prince George has failed after he was caught ripping open presents under the Christmas tree.

His father the Duke of Cambridge disclosed that the three-year-old is desperately excited about Christmas, and “definitely” knows what it is all about.

The Duchess of Cambridge at The MixCredit:
Reuters

In previous years the Duke has talked about how his son was more interested in the wrapping paper and the boxes than the presents themselves, but George, who has a reputation for mischief, now wants to grab what is inside.

The Duke chatted about his children to Kiss FM presenter AJ King, who provided the entertainment at a Christmas party for the mental health charity The Mix, which supports people aged 13-25 through any challenge they may be facing.

Mr King said: “The Duke said they were all really excited about Christmas and that George is already opening his presents. He thought it was quite funny. That's kids for you, even the ones that are princes!

"I said Christmas would be a bit different for his children this year and he said they would be having a family Christmas together."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, together with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will be spending Christmas with the Duchess’s family in Bucklebury, Berks., this year, rather than the traditional royal get-together at Sandringham.

The radio DJ said the Duke had also been admiring his turntables and saying how much he wanted his own set of decks.

The Duke asked to hear a song by the electronic duo Groove Armada, and asked whether they were still fashionable, Mr King shrugged his shoulders and joked: “If he says they are, then they are!

“He also chatted a lot a about boxing and rugby because he was at the Sports Personality of the Year awards last night. He has got a lot of admiration for Nicola Adams. She's a lovely lady and a beast in the ring!

"He was showing me the scar he's got on his finger, which was caused by a rugby accident. He had to stop because of his injury - he's got a metal rod in his finger apparently."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for the eventCredit:
Reuters

The Duke broke his left index finger playing rugby at Eton, and when it failed to heal properly he was admitted to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary where his finger was pinned back into position using metal pins and wires. The two-hour operation was carried out under general anaesthetic.

The Duke told Mr King that it meant he had to give up boxing lessons he started during his early Army career.

"He said he would have carried on with the boxing but that injury took him out,” said Mr King.